One gram of sediment contains more than 10e10 bacteria and sediment has been estimated to contain up to 12000 different genomes, which is the highest for any environment. Most of the marine bacteria and archae have been shown to be difficult to culture, or have not been yet cultured. Thus, the study of, and access to, the collective genomes of this "hidden" diversity requires the application of molecular techniques. One new molecular tool which has become very powerful is metagenomics.

The construction of metagenomic libraries and other DNA-based metagenomic projects are initiated by isolation of high-quality DNA that is suitable for cloning and covers the microbial diversity present in the original sample. DNA isolation, especially from extreme environments, is still a technological challenge. Reasons for this include the reluctance of many microorganisms present in these samples to lyse.

The FastPrep Family product line provides a powerful molecular tool for gaining insight into microbial communities in sediment samples. FastDNA and FastRNA kits for soil used in combination with the FastPrep-24 or FastPrep-96 instrument will help overcome any difficulties with complete lysis of all sediment bacteria and isolation of pure DNA and RNA.